Left vs Right...

[SKIQUATTRO]

been noticing on flatwater paddles that when i paddle on the Right side i can track straight for numerous strokes, however, when i paddle on the Left, within 3 strokes i'm several degrees off to the right...

[PonoBill]

You need to work on that. If you have a gopro, stick it on the back of your board and look at your form. Most likely you are stacking your shoulders and getting your paddle shaft vertical when you paddle right, and not so much when you go left. Pay attention to your form and how you weight your rails and you can equalize quickly. It's important to do that early in your learning, it's tougher to overcome habits than it is to start off right.

[hbsteve]

Ditto what PonoBill said.  I will add, while focusing on correcting this, SLOW DOWN.  As you think you have it, pick up the pace.  When you catch yourself messing up, repeat.  You'll notice the improvement soon.

[surferkarl]

Ugh, I need to work on this....

[RyanSurfNTurf]

Good to see that someone else is working on this. 

Thanks PonoBill

[surfcowboy]

I found a huge difference in the angle of my paddle shaft when I started looking at this issue.  I was like this:  /_\  instead of |_| when viewed from the front or rear.

You really have to get your self out over the water a bit and get that shaft vertical (hey now!) to really paddle straight.

[surferkarl]

Good point.  I'm assuming I look like this from the rear (hey now!) /_|  which would explain why I favor paddling on the right....